Many years ago, in an herb gardening book, I read that this 7th century hermit was the patron saint of gardeners, and of course, herbalists. I have often passed by this small statue without realizing that it was not St Francis but rather St Fiacre who is depicted in art with his shovel. His gardens and herbs of legend were used to minister to the sick and visitors of his day and so make him appropriate to this quiet hospital garden.